Aspiration
Hope
kibō / きぼう
Dictionary meaning
Wishing for something to happen, or having a hopeful outlook for the future.
Your intended symbolism
Your personal symbolism is separate from the dictionary meaning. Explain what you want this choice to express to a fluent Japanese reader and your artist.
Context & cautions
It can express a forward-looking attitude, while leaving the particular wish unstated.
Size & legibility: discuss with your artist
There is no universal minimum tattoo size based on stroke count. Ask your artist to check line weight, the gaps between strokes, placement, and how the lettering may age. Preview dimensions include transparent margins and are not a safe minimum size.
Typeface, output quality & sources →Dictionary reference: Japanese dictionary entry ↗
Dictionary links are references only. They do not mean that the linked organization certifies, endorses, or supervises this site.
PICTURE YOUR PLACEMENT
See your kanji on skin
Explore where your kanji could sit before discussing the final placement with your artist.
BEFORE YOU INK
Your meaning check
For Yu Kyokasho Bold lettering.
- Dictionary meaning
- Wishing for something to happen, or having a hopeful outlook for the future.
- Context & limits
- It can express a forward-looking attitude, while leaving the particular wish unstated.
- Complete writing & selected reading
- 希望 · kibō / きぼう
Loading your checklist…
These are your own acknowledgements, not professional verification or approval to tattoo. Review the final drawing and stencil together before tattooing.
Saved only in this browser. Your checklist is included when you add this kanji to an artist consultation sheet. It is not synced or sent to analytics. Changes to the entry’s meaning, reading, or lettering typeface reset these checks.
From character to lettering
This is a typeset reference, rather than a tattoo stencil. Check the final drawing, orientation, and intended meaning with a fluent Japanese reader and your artist.
Read the before-the-ink guide →
